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Lake Fest organizers seek Board direction on using area behind City Hall for carnival; safety and neighbor outreach emphasized
Summary
Lake Fest committee and Parks & Recreation staff requested direction to finalize a contract with Evan's Empire for a carnival at Lake Fest 2026, proposing use of area behind City Hall with partial West Meadow closures; organizers said they coordinated with police and neighbors and will handle cleanup and logistics.
Parks & Recreation Director Matt Denton and Lake Fest Committee member Shawna Houghton briefed the Board on a Lake Fest proposal that would place carnival rides and games behind City Hall and require partial closure of West Meadow for setup and operations in 2026.
Denton said the packet outlines how the committee reached the current proposal and that Evan’s Empire, a carnival operator familiar from nearby fairs, needs confirmation of location to schedule the 2026 season. "Their timeline requires a proposal for the location they are considering," he said.
Shawna Houghton described outreach and coordination: committee members went door-to-door to notify neighbors and obtained permissions, met with Captain Roetman and city staff to discuss logistics, and have proposed parking adjustments (including use of the Senior Center lot or Mill Street) to ensure police vehicles remain accessible. She said Peggy Evans, who owns Evan’s Empire and lives in Smithville, "decided to come back to her roots and serve her community." Houghton added that the carnival operator will set up, power-wash streets if needed and remove barriers after the event.
Alderman Dan Hartman said he supported the concept and suggested door-hanger notices to neighbors before the event. Mayor Boley emphasized that safety and security plans have been a top priority since Houghton became involved. No formal vote was recorded; staff sought direction so the committee can finalize a contract if the Board supports the proposed location.
Why it matters: the proposal would affect parking, Senior Center access and some nearby residents during setup and the event weekend; organizers said they are seeking early direction to secure the carnival operator for 2026. The Board requested notification steps and emphasized coordination with police and affected businesses.
